Heroku vs Koyeb: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Heroku and Koyeb comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Heroku
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
Best for you if:
- • Platform as a service that scales with you
- • Deploy apps with git push heroku main
Koyeb
Deploy apps globally with zero config, automatic scaling, and no DevOps
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Serverless platform for high-performance APIs, AI inference, and databases.
- • Offers global deployment, automatic scaling, and access to GPUs/CPUs.
| At a Glance |  Heroku |  Koyeb |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5/monthEco | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.9/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Heroku or Koyeb?
Choose Heroku if
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
- Easiest platform for deploying apps
- Git-based deployment workflow
- Large add-on marketplace
Choose Koyeb if
Deploy apps globally with zero config, automatic scaling, and no DevOps
- Generous free tier
- Global deployment
- Simple pricing
- You want a free tier before you commit
| Feature | Heroku | Koyeb |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 326 reviews | ★4.9/5 19 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
Heroku
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
Strengths
- +Easiest platform for deploying apps
- +Git-based deployment workflow
- +Large add-on marketplace
- +Great for prototypes and small projects
- +Managed Postgres included
Weaknesses
- -No more free tier (removed in 2022)
- -Expensive at scale compared to alternatives
- -Limited customization options
- -Cold starts on lower tiers
- -Performance ceiling for high-traffic apps
Key features
Koyeb
Deploy apps globally with zero config, automatic scaling, and no DevOps
Strengths
- +Generous free tier
- +Global deployment
- +Simple pricing
Weaknesses
- -Smaller ecosystem
Key features
Pricing: Heroku vs Koyeb
| Plan | Heroku | Koyeb |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $5 month Eco | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $7 month per dyno Basic | Free Starter |
| Tier 3 | $25 month per dyno Standard-1x | custom Business |
| Tier 4 | $50 month per dyno Standard-2x | N/A |
| Tier 5 | $250 month per dyno Performance-M | N/A |
| Tier 6 | $500 month per dyno Performance-L | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Heroku pricing and Koyeb pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Koyeb has a free tier. Heroku is paid only.
Go with: Koyeb
Want the highest-rated option?
Heroku: 4.6/5 (326 reviews). Koyeb: 4.9/5 (19 reviews).
Go with: Koyeb
Value user reviews?
Heroku: 326 reviews (4.6/5). Koyeb: 19 reviews (4.9/5).
Go with: Heroku
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Heroku is paid. Koyeb is freemium. Koyeb lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are cloud & infrastructure tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Koyeb is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Heroku
- Larger review base (326 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Koyeb
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.6/5
The Bottom Line
Heroku is our pick. Koyeb has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heroku or Koyeb better?
Heroku is rated in our evaluation. Heroku is paid and Koyeb is freemium.
What are Heroku and Koyeb used for?
Heroku: The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce. Koyeb: Deploy apps globally with zero config, automatic scaling, and no DevOps.
What does Heroku cost vs Koyeb?
Heroku is a paid tool. Koyeb is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.